Kenny

Bundit (Kenny) Jiamanukoonkit does not believe that leadership is an inherent trait. “If you believe in consciousness and subconsciousness, you will know that leadership traits can be embedded in a person if he or she has the discipline to control both,” he explains. “If one can see the value and the trade-off of the hardship, one can put effort and discipline into building leadership behavior.”

Born in Bangkok, Kenny leads one of the most competitive industries in Thailand, overseeing a market with more than 70 insurers in both life and non-life sectors. As CEO of Generali Life Assurance, he drives the company’s vision of becoming customers’ Lifetime Partner, ensuring coverage through all life stages and needs. Generali’s reputation as a top player in the market is reinforced by its status as the most preferred insurer among hospitals. The company boasts one of Thailand’s largest hospital networks and serves global employee benefit clients such as Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Adidas, KPMG, Microsoft, and DHL. Generali’s Gen365 app is the leading insurance business application in Thailand, with over 230,000 members and a steady growth of more than 6,000 new members per month.

Balancing Leadership, Growth, and Stakeholder Value

As a leader, Kenny faces the challenge of balancing the needs of all stakeholders—customers, agents, brokers, partners, and the company—while ensuring sustainable, profitable growth for Generali’s 687 employees. Employee engagement is a priority, with multiple surveys conducted throughout the year to gain insight into staff perceptions. In a 2017 engagement survey, most employees expressed strong belief in the company’s goals and values. In the 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Survey, 36.4 percent of employees reported feeling consistently recognized, valued, and listened to at work, while 47.2 percent felt they were usually acknowledged.

For Kenny, success is about making a positive impact on those around him—whether it be employees, family, or the broader community. “A successful person impacts lives in a positive way, makes progress in his industry, delivers financial results with operational integrity, and builds a good reputation both inside and outside the industry,” he says. Known for his listening and communication skills, Kenny believes that strong leadership is about leveraging a mix of skills in different situations to drive results while maintaining principles and integrity.

A Leader Who Values Communication and People Skills

Kenny’s leadership is deeply influenced by his education. A graduate in Computer Science from Srinakarintr University, Thailand, and holder of an MBA in Finance & Management from Wichita State University, USA, he credits his academic background for helping him stay structured and organized. He emphasizes the importance of selling, presentation, and communication skills to influence stakeholders and unite them toward a common goal. “People skills are crucial, as a leader’s achievements are not accomplished alone, but by and through people,” he notes. One of his inspirations in leadership is Howard Schultz of Starbucks, whom he admires for his entrepreneurial vision.

A Commitment to Business Growth and Social Responsibility

While Kenny is focused on driving sales and market share, he also recognizes the importance of sustainability and community impact. Generali Group is committed to helping three key vulnerable groups: disadvantaged families, refugee start-ups, and asphyxiated newborns, for whom a lack of medical equipment can mean the difference between life and death. By balancing business growth with corporate responsibility, Kenny ensures that Generali’s success is not just measured in profits but also in the lives it touches and improves.

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